Engineering Jobs in St Joseph, MO

About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing, quality, and supply chain for a fast-growing, performance-driven manufacturer in St. Joseph, Missouri. Our client is a high-growth brand well known in their industry for quality and innovation, with a global customer base.

This role will oversee the operational engine of the business—ensuring production scales efficiently while maintaining the precision, quality, and reliability the brand is known for.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on builder who enjoys building and improving systems, developing teams, and creating operational discipline in an environment where speed and execution matter.

This leader will work closely with executive leadership to support growth, new product launches, and expanding OEM partnerships.

Why This Role Is Compelling

This is not a maintenance role. The next Director of Operations will help build the operational infrastructure for the company’s next phase of growth.

Key challenges and opportunities include:

• Scaling production to support increasing demand
• Improving throughput and reducing lead times
• Strengthening quality systems for tight tolerance manufacturing
• Optimizing supply chain and inventory planning
• Supporting new product introductions from R&D to production

For the right leader, this is an opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a growing manufacturing company.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production.
• Improve throughput, yield, and on-time delivery across the production floor.
• Implement lean manufacturing tools to streamline production flow and reduce waste.

Quality & Process Excellence

• Own quality performance and ensure products meet strict cosmetic and tolerance standards.
• Strengthen process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement programs.

Supply Chain & Materials Management

• Oversee purchasing, supplier relationships, inventory planning, and logistics.
• Ensure reliable supply and optimal inventory levels to support production and seasonal demand.

Team Leadership

• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Establish clear accountability and foster a culture of ownership and craftsmanship.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales and R&D to align production capacity with demand.
• Lead operational planning for new product introductions.

Operational Performance

• Track operational KPIs and convert insights into improvement initiatives.
• Manage operational budgets and drive cost efficiency across the value stream.

What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months:

The successful candidate will:

• Improve production throughput and reduce operational bottlenecks
• Strengthen production planning and inventory management
• Implement measurable lean initiatives that reduce scrap and lead times
• Build a more structured KPI framework for operational decision-making
• Develop a stronger production team with clear accountability and performance expectations
• Support the successful launch of new products into production

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

(Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related discipline)

Ideal Experience

• 6-10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing or operations
• Experience in precision manufacturing, composites, or similar performance-driven industries
• Proven success improving throughput and reducing lead times using lean methodologies
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP/MRP systems
• Experience managing high SKU counts and seasonal demand
• Experience working in small to mid-sized manufacturing environments

Leadership & Skills

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, quality systems, and production planning
• Data-driven decision-making and operational analytics capability
• Proven ability to lead teams through operational improvements and change
• Strong facilitation, training, and communication skills

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role offers the chance to build and lead the operational backbone of a growing company known for performance and innovation.

Your leadership will directly influence:

• Production capability
• Product quality
• Operational scalability
• Team culture

For the right leader, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact and help shape the company’s next stage of growth. Would you like to know more? Apply today.